An exhilarating impactful talk on “Role of Faculties as Torch Bearers of POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Awareness” by renowned Advocate of Telengana High court, Mr Ramana Kumar (LLB, LLM, MA Psychology and a Dale Carnegie Certified trainer) was organized by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at Bhaskara Auditorium NIT Calicut, on 28 th October, 2024, from 10AM – 12 Noon. 

The event was presided over by the Hon. Director, Prof. Prasad Krishna. Prof. Shaija A.,Chairperson ICC welcomed the gathering of around 200 faculty members and other administrative officers and non-teaching staff of the Institute. Advocate Ramana Kumar, an expert on POSH litigation and training brought out the nuances of the POSH Act and explained how it is subsumed into the UGC (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of sexual harassment of women employees and students in higher educational institutions) Regulations 2015, that is applicable to higher educational institutions (HEIs).

 In a highly interactive session, the faculty were clearly explained as to what constituted sexual harassment; what is the role played by the ICC in prevention and redressal of complaints of sexual harassment; punitive actions that can be taken by the ICC in these matters etc. through various seminal case studies. The true definition of Sexual Harassment,  “what constitutes the workplace” as per the UGC Regulations 2015 was particularly stressed upon. The information that even WhatsApp can be considered a workplace under certain circumstances was an eye opener to all. Participants were trained on recognizing harassment signs and were encouraged to report and prevent any instances of unwelcome acts where they are sexual in nature. This program is part of a larger initiative to reduce harassment incidents through teaching and non-teaching staff involvement and awareness-building within the Institute.